Mason Poore died in a vehicle-bicycle crash in Chester Township on January 2, 2026, at the age of 14 years old, following a vehicle–bicycle crash in Chester Township.
According to the reports, the crash occurred on the evening of January 2, around 5:43 p.m., on Smithville Western Road near Ogden Road in Chester Township.
Reportedly, Mason was riding his bicycle eastbound when a 2023 Ram 1500 pickup truck, also going east, struck him.
The crash threw Mason and his bike off the north side of the road. People rushed him to Wooster Community Hospital, but he didn’t make it and was pronounced dead there.
The driver of the truck was 30-year-old Robert R. Ross from Ashland, who stayed at the scene and is alive.
Mason Poore is survived by his parents, Jamie and Zac Poore; his siblings, Caden Holliday, Lilianna Poore, Austin Poore, and Arabella Poore.
He was a beloved grandson to his grandparents, Carolyn Aukerman, Mike (Ann) Aukerman, and Kathy (John) VanNortrick, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Mason is preceded in death by grandfather, Joseph Poore; great-grandparents Mike and Ruthie Aukerman, Bette Tarleton, Bruno Peterinelli, and Uncle Brian Aukerman.
Orlando Pearson created a GoFundMe campaign to help his family with the funeral services.
Born on November 4, 2011, Mason was an eighth grader at Northwestern Local Schools.
He was a dedicated wrestler for a long time, and lately, he had started really loving basketball too.
People who knew Mason remember him as someone full of life and energy.
He loved simple things like eating Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, playing basketball with his Northwestern team, and just spending time with people he cared about.
He was known as the biggest hype man who always cheered the loudest, encouraged everyone, and loved deeply.
The outpouring of prayers and support from Wayne County shows just how much he meant to everyone.
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Ben Nichols, who founded Wayne County Sports and graduated from Northwestern High School in 2021, wrote a very emotional post on social media.
This morning I woke up to more devastating news from the community that I hold so deeply near my heart. Northwestern 8th grader Mason Poore’s life was tragically cut short.
Ben Nicholas
Ben Nichols, who founded Wayne County Sports and graduated from Northwestern High School in 2021, wrote a very emotional post on social media the next morning
A visitation for friends with family is scheduled for Friday, January 9, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Church of the Saviour on 480 Fry Road in Wooster.
The funeral service will take place on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. at the same church, with Pastor Brent Durham and Pastor Paul Bartholomew leading it.
Whereas, McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home on 216 E. Larwill St. in Wooster is helping the family through all of this.
During this challenging time, we pray for the strength of Mason’s parents, siblings, grandfather, friends, and extended family.
Rest Easy, Mason Poore!
